Segmented Detergent Dispensing Assembly to Reduce Panel Opening Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothing treatment devices face spatial arrangement limitations due to the need to draw out the detergent dispensing assembly as a whole, which increases manufacturing costs and affects aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing assembly with a dispensing container that is smaller than the storage container, allowing only one smaller opening on the panel, enabling flexible spatial arrangement and reducing wear through a rolling-friction fit, while ensuring efficient agent flow and flush trim panel for improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer type dispensing assembly is used where dispensing container and storage container are integrally formed, then the detergent can be conveniently dispensed, but the opening on the panel must be large to accommodate the entire drawer, which increases the overall size of the washing machine and limits spatial arrangement flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrally formed drawer into separate components: the storage container remains fixed in the body, while only the dispensing container is made movable and can be pulled out independently. This segmentation allows the opening on the panel to be sized according to the smaller dispensing container rather than the entire drawer assembly, reducing the opening size and improving spatial arrangement flexibility while maintaining dispensing convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing container is extracted from the integral drawer structure and given independent mobility. It is connected to the body through a dispensing mechanism that allows it to be pulled out and pushed in independently, while the storage container remains fixed. This extraction enables the panel opening to accommodate only the dispensing container, reducing the required opening size
2Ease of operation
If the drawer type dispensing assembly is used, then the detergent dispensing function is integrated, but the control panel height must be increased to align with the large opening, which increases manufacturing cost and affects aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dispensing assembly into a fixed storage container and a movable dispensing container, the opening size is reduced to accommodate only the dispensing container. This allows the control panel to be positioned at a lower height that aligns with the smaller opening, reducing the overall height of the washing machine and improving aesthetics while maintaining the integrated detergent dispensing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional relationship between the dispensing container and the panel opening. By making the dispensing container movable and reducing its width compared to the traditional drawer, the opening can be positioned lower on the panel, allowing the control panel to be arranged at an optimized height that improves overall aesthetics and reduces machine height
3Device complexity
If the traditional sliding-friction fit is used between the drawer and dispensing mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the wear is high which reduces the service life of the dispensing assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding-friction mechanical connection with a rolling-friction connection using rollers. The dispensing container is equipped with rollers that engage with the dispensing mechanism, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This substitution significantly reduces wear between the dispensing container and the mechanism, extending the service life of the dispensing assembly while maintaining structural simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the flexibility of the device's spatial arrangement, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the appearance by allowing a lower control panel height and more placement options, while maintaining efficient detergent dispensing and extending the assembly's service life.
Implementation Method 1
both the dispensing container and the storage container are in rolling-friction fit with the dispensing mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothing treatment agent dispensing assembly for use in a clothing treatment device, and a clothing treatment device, the clothing treatment device comprising a body, the clothing treatment agent dispensing assembly comprising a dispensing container (1) and a storage container (2) in sealed connection to one another, the vertical cross-section of the dispensing container (1) being smaller than the vertical cross-section of the storage container (2), and the dispensing container (1) and the storage container (2) both being capable of sliding relative to the body, such that when the dispensing container (1) is pulled out of the body, the storage container (2) can follow the dispensing container (1) to slide in the body. The present clothing treatment device is more flexible in the layout of the overall space, such that the layout and installation of components such as a control panel are more flexible, facilitating product design by a person skilled in the art.